Movie Should Inspire Preparation, not Panic

Release Date: Thursday, May 18, 2006
By Media Relations Department
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office 

Many public health authorities are concerned that the made-for-TV movie titled "Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America" aired Tuesday May 9 by the ABC television network may cause undue panic.

Authorities stress the fact that the movie is a fictional account of an outbreak of avian influenza and not a documentary.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stresses that the movie "is a work of fiction designed to entertain and not a factual accounting of a real world event."

It is important to note that there is no widespread outbreak of avian influenza ("flu pandemic") at this time.

Avian influenza (H5N1 virus) has not appeared in the U.S.

Avian influenza is almost exclusively a disease of birds.

According to the World Health Organization, only 207 confirmed cases of the disease have been reported worldwide since 2003.

Virtually all cases of humans contracting the disease are a result of contact with infected birds.

Arrival of the H5N1 virus in the U.S. would not mean the start of a pandemic.

For a pandemic to begin, the H5N1 virus would have to mutate into a form which is easily transmitted from human to human.

Health organizations and governments worldwide are monitoring the virus and preparing for the possibility of a pandemic.

While there is no pandemic at this time, it is important for everyone to prepare for a possible outbreak because some community businesses and services could be disrupted or closed, including:

• School, childcare and work
• Public transportation and availability of gasoline or other fuels
• Grocery stores, banks, gas stations and other businesses
• Communications, including telephone, radio and television
• Utilities such as electricity and natural gas
• Pharmacies and healthcare facilities

Below are some suggestions from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which will help individuals prepare for a flu pandemic or other emergency which might interrupt normal business activities.

More information is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.

Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

1. To plan for a pandemic:

• Store a supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

2. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

• Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.
• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.
• Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.

3. Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Examples of food and non-perishables	Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups	Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
Protein or fruit bars	Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash
Dry cereal or granola	Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Peanut butter or nuts	Thermometer
Dried fruit	Anti-diarrheal medication
Crackers	Vitamins
Canned juices	Fluids with electrolytes
Bottled water	Cleansing agent/soap
Canned or jarred baby food and formula	Flashlight
Pet food	Batteries
	Portable radio
	Manual can opener
	Garbage bags
	Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

Family Emergency Health Information Sheet

It is important to think about health issues that could arise if an influenza pandemic occurs, and how they could affect you and your loved ones. For example, if a mass vaccination clinic is set up in your community, you may need to provide as much information as you can about your medical history when you go, especially if you have a serious health condition or allergy.

Create a family emergency health plan using this information. Fill in information for each family member in the space provided. Like much of the planning for a pandemic, this can also help prepare for other emergencies.

Family Member Information:

Family Member	Blood Type	Allergies	Past/ Current Medical Conditions	Current Medications/ Dosages

Emergency Contacts Form

Local personal emergency contact
Out-of-town personal emergency contact
Hospitals:
Family physician(s)
State public health department (See list on www.cdc.gov/other.htm#states)
Pharmacy
Employer contact and emergency information
School contact and emergency information
Religious/spiritual organization